The donation is a gift from Smith Douglas Homes in Atlanta, Georgia, that will be used to support additional faculty, provide scholarships and support equipment and supplies needed to educate students in residential construction.

“This significant contribution will greatly enhance our programs and support our students in meaningful ways,” said AEPCEC Dean Craig M. Harvey, Ph.D. “The gift was given because of the demand for producing construction managers that are needed in the residential construction industry. Smith Douglas is a large residential builder expanding to South Georgia with economic growth in the region and wants to be a part of developing the talent they hope to recruit in the future.” 

Specifically, $200,000 will be allocated to create a new emphasis in residential construction within the Bachelor of Science Construction degree. Another $150,000 will create the endowed Smith Douglas Homes Scholars program, which will be awarded to students who fulfill certain education requirements, complete residential construction community service hours and participate in National Association of Home Builders student competitions. Additionally, $50,000 will create Smith Douglas Homes annual scholarships and $100,000 will be dedicated to purchasing new technology and equipment. Smith Douglas Homes is also committed to offering internships to engineering students each year. 

The bachelor’s in construction is housed within the AEPCEC’s Department of Civil Engineering & Construction and prepares students to oversee construction projects in all stages. Students work as part of a team with architects and engineers, budget with cost estimators and manage construction with laborers.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving more than 25,500 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.